Family Time Cut by Internet

The Annenberg Center for the Digital Future of the University of Southern California found that 28% of Americans interviewed last year said they spend less family time, but not less with friends. "As the social networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are booming along with the importance people place on them, said Michael Gilbert a senior at the center, this way people spend less time with family members."

Other new technologies are also changing how families interact, cell phones give more privacy and help parents keep track of their children rather than landlines. The abundance of TVs gives the families freedom to watch shows individually instead of the traditional way with everyone in one room.

The Internet may disrupt personal boundaries because it's more attention demanding than other technologies. Families with more income are more likely for boundaries because they can afford many of the new technologies and families with less income many still find time for the family.

This was a well written beat, very factual which made the story hard to not believe and agree with. It was a medium length so it was an easy read with important information most people can relate too. I enjoy beats like this that make me wonder if my family will become less involved with each other.